Culbin's famous viewing tower closed

Forestry and Land Scotland has advised that the Hill 99 viewing tower in Culbin Forest, that offers spectacular views across the forest and the Moray Firth, has been closed due to safety concerns.

In a recent inspection of the viewing tower (14 June) found that some of the decking boards had degraded.

Justin Livesey, Visitor Services Manager for the FLS team in the area, said;

“Our routine inspection of the tower uncovered some issues caused by water not draining properly form the decking area.

“It had not only been pooling on the top but also clinging to the underside of boards. As a result some of them have deteriorated more quickly than we would have expected.

“Public safety is always our number one concern so we’ve decided to close the viewing tower, rather than take any chances.

“We apologise for any disappointment caused by the loss of this amazing view point and hope that we can get it fixed and re-opened as soon as possible.”

The viewing tower was completed in 2008.

Notes to editors

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.

The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.

The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.